Q&Amy: Stopped by police? Your rights and responsibilities

– GREENVILLE NEWS, AUGUST 29, 2015, FEAT. PROF. SETH STOUGHTON:

Particularly in the wake of some high-profile — and tragically ending — police stops, there has been some confusion from the public about what they are or are not allowed to do or not do when stopped by law enforcement.

Some of the answers are clear by law. You are required to pull over at the sign of blue lights. You are required to provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance upon request. You are required to get out of your car or stay in your car when instructed.

Some issues are less clear-cut. Searches, for example, are especially murky waters.